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Gym reshapes northeast neighborhood, encourages healthy habits

OMAHA, Neb. -

A new neighborhood gym is inspiring change for a north Omaha community and thousands of people are taking part.

With obesity rates on the rise, officials in Douglas County are trying to provide healthier food options in corner stores. Planet Fitness, a new gym near 60th Street and Ames Avenue, said it is taking part in the effort to make Omaha healthier.

“They truly needed it. With obesity rates going up, our owner just felt they need to help north Omaha out and stuff,” said Mandy Maquire, Planet Fitness regional manager.

A 2011 community health assessment conducted by several different agencies, including the Douglas County Health Department, randomly sampled 2,000 people from across the metro.

People living in northeast Omaha reported less physical activity than the metro average and said they had less access to indoor exercise equipment than the metro average. Fewer people reported being at a healthy weight than the metro average.

Planet Fitness said its "no judgment" philosophy is ideal for people getting used to a gym.

“The clients and the community say this is long overdue,” said Daniel Lyle, Planet Fitness trainer.

Maguire said this specific location has thousands of members.

“It's amazing how many people truly never stepped into a gym before, and now, you see them every day,” Maguire said.

One of those members is Brad Vest, who started his fitness challenge weighing 430 pounds.

“Ever since they built this gym, I've been coming every day since they opened,” Vest said.

Vest had joined another gym before but said it was just too far for him to stay motivated. Planet Fitness is so close, he walks.

“It’s awesome,” Vest said.

In seven months, Vest lost 50 pounds. He said he still wants to lose another 150 pounds.

Planet Fitness said its team is building a healthy business by reshaping a neighborhood’s philosophy. It hopes its success encourages other businesses to open in the northeast community.

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